Thousands of cheering spectators helped the cycling city of York to give a rousing welcome to the winners of the second stage of Britain's biggest cycle race, the Prutour.

But while the cyclists sped home, Bank Holiday traffic on York's outer ring road ground to a halt for half an hour to allow them to finish the last section of the day's route. Drivers were left fuming until the race was over.

Crowds lined the sides of Malton Road in Heworth as second stage winner Stuart O'Grady crossed the finishing line after a gruelling 105-mile ride from Gateshead across the North York Moors.

Onlookers also gathered at one of the most challenging climbs of yesterday's route, Rosedale Chimney, and many other spots across North Yorkshire. The last stage of the race came down the B1363 from Sutton-on-the-Forest, then went round the ring road past Huntington to Malton Road.

Although Malton Road was closed to traffic, other roads used for the route were not, and queues built up in the Haxby and Clifton areas.

Traffic Sergeant Nigel Atkinson, of York Police, said: "As the race finished vehicles on the ring road were stopped for about half an hour to give access to the cyclists. "Traffic is heavy anyway on bank holidays and I understand the frustration of motorists. This was a national event and we had little or no influence over it. I find it regrettable that local motorists were disrupted."

For the estimated 15,000 crowds who gathered along the route though, the event was a popular one, especially at Monk Stray where various cycling-themed stands were open to the public.

Children's TV presenter Michaela Strachan was on hand to help run a children's cycling obstacle race, but her main job came later when she presented the winning red jersey (the Prutour equivalent of the usual yellow) to O'Grady.

Michaela, who has taken part in races like the London to Brighton cycle race, said: "It's been a great day and so good that the rain has held off.

"I don't know why cycling doesn't get more publicity. These cyclists' fitness levels are unbelievable. They average around 26 miles per hour over five hours. I haven't cycled for a while and this has spurred me on to do it again."

The race was the first major event attended by York's new Lord Mayor, Coun Derek Smallwood, who said the race would give the city a great image.

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